RAMALLAH, February 23, 2011 (WAFA) – Prime Minister Salam Fayyad Wednesday asked Palestinian youths through the social network Facebook to get involved in the decision making process in the Palestinian areas and start by suggesting names and ideas for the new government.

“We understand and always stress the importance of a role for the youth in political life and the decision making process,” said Fayyad on his Facebook page. “So what do the youth want, which should be taken into consideration in the program of our next government?” he asked.

By late afternoon Wednesday, more than 230 people had commented on this question posted only two hours earlier, some suggesting national unity, other saying he should find jobs to the thousands of unemployed university graduates.

Fayyad also asked youths to suggest people and ideas for the new government.

Over 700 people have made comments on this within four hours of the post, some suggesting names of current ministers, others new ones, while others commended Fayyad for having this page and suggesting to keep it open to hear the views of the general public on all issues of concern.

Fayyad has been holding discussion with various groups in the Palestinian Territory in the last weeks, after his government has resigned, and in preparation to form a new one after President Mahmoud Abbas had asked him to form the new government. He has five weeks to do that.

M.A.